Q1. Define Carbon Footprint in your own words.

What elements would you

consider if your own Carbon Footprint were to be calculated?

Ans: In our daily life, we do a lot of activities and consume things which directly or
indirectly cause emission of greenhouse gases. The total number of greenhouse
gases produced to directly or indirectly support human activities at the households
or in running the business is called Carbon Footprint. It is usually expressed in tons
of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Suppose, when we commute to college by a two-wheeler or using public transport,

the engine burns fuel which emits CO 2. The amount of emission depends upon the
fuel consumption and the distance travelled. When we cook using gas, CO 2 is
generated. We need electricity in our house to serve multiple purposes. The
generation of the electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO 2.
When we buy goods, their production has also emitted certain quantities of CO 2. Our
carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO 2, which were generated by our
activities in a given time frame (usually a year).

For calculating my carbon footprint, I would like to determine the three Operational
Scopes of the emission sources as identified by the GHS Protocol. The elements to
be considered are listed under each of the Operational Scopes as follows:

Scope 1: Direct emissions are those that occur from sources which are owned or
controlled by us.

1) Stationary combustion:
a. Consumption of Natural gas: For heating, cooking and
cooling purposes.
b. Heating oil: To make food, we heat oil which generates
greenhouse gases.
c. Refrigerant chemicals: Used in refrigerator in the household.
2) Mobile combustion:
a. Daily transport: Fuel consumed while driving vehicles (two-
wheeler and/or four-wheeler).
b. Conveyance: Commuting to college using public transport
emits CO2.
c. Travel: Travelling to hometown at least twice by flight/train/bus.
3) Fugitive sources: Unintentional leakage of cooking gas while changing
regulator or due to loosely fit regulator.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions are those that result from our activities but occur
from sources controlled by other entities.

1) Purchased electricity: Purchased electricity to light up the house, for

fans, AC, etc.
2) Purchased natural gas: For cooking purpose.
3) Purchased electricity from generators: Used for power backup.
Scope 3: Other indirect emissions that are not included in Scope 1 and 2.

1) Purchased food and drinks: CO2 is emitted in producing them.

2) Distribution and disposition: Home delivery of products ordered online
requires the person to travel by vehicles which burns fuel and emits
CO2. Disposition also contributes to CO2 emission.
3) Medicines: Lot of CO2 is generated in the production of medicines and
their packaging materials.
4) Use of Paper based products: Manufacture of raw materials for
newspapers, books, etc., the printing process and distribution from
printer to customer induces CO2 emission.
5) Laptop/computer and music system.
6) Television and mobile phones purchases: Greenhouse gases are
emitted in their manufacturing process.
7) Purchased furniture: The making of these furniture causes CO 2 or other
greenhouse gases emission.
8) Money spent for dining out at hotels, restaurants, etc.: The food and
service we receive at these places involves greenhouse gas emission,
directly or indirectly.
9) Phone call cost or data usage cost.
10) Consumption of electricity, IT services, food and beverages,
books from library and other facilities in college premises.